The Challenge: Youth Unemployment

The youth we serve may experience barriers to employment that others in the job market do not face, such as a lack of previous work experience, an unreliable home address, or a nonexistent professional network. At HomePlate we seek to provide solutions to these and other barriers. We offer programs to build applicable skills, provide basic amenities that make looking for work more accessible, and run programs that give youth direct opportunities to gain initial work experience that will benefit future job searches.

What HomePlate is doing to prepare youth for employment in Washington County.

Staff Support

We have a dedicated staff member to assist youth will all things employment-related. Our Employment Coordinator, Peter, and a team of employment volunteers are available during drop-in hours and throughout the week to meet with youth one-on-one for job search and application assistance, skills training, resume and cover letter creation, and interview coaching. Contact Peter at (971) 400-0551 or peter@homeplateyouth.org for more information or to schedule a meeting.

SKILLS TRAINING

Programming at Drop-in

HomePlate works to bring enrichment programming into our drop-in locations. Staff and volunteers facilitate activities each month that offer youth the opportunity to participate in workshops, attend networking events, and receive individual training in a supportive space.

Partnerships

HomePlate partners with StepItUp to provide youth more resume and employment training every other Monday at drop-in, as well as in the HomePerk program. Contact Levi Eads at levi@stepituppdx.org or (971) 246-7487 for more information.

Interested in partnering with HomePlate to create an internship, apprenticeship, or dedicated position for one of our youth at your company? Complete this form to get started!

Drop-Internship

Youth can apply at any time to participate in our Drop-Internship program. Youth work closely with staff and volunteers for approximately 1-3 hours per week before drop-in to assist with set-up, meal preparation, organizing resources, cleaning, and other duties. As a result of this internship youth receive professional training, content for their resume, and compensation in the form of gift cards scaled to the hours completed.

DID YOU KNOW? HomePlate is Washington County's only non-profit provider of drop-in centers and street outreach for young people experiencing homelessness.